Area couple charged in abuse can have biological kids

By The Associated Press

April 18, 2013News Extra

PITTSBURGH — A state deputy attorney general and his wife charged with physically abusing two adopted children from Ethiopia have regained custody of their biological children.

Among other things, Allegheny County prosecutors were concerned that Douglas and Kristen Barbour’s 5-year-old daughter — a witness against them in the abuse case — might be influenced by her parents if they regained custody. So Judge Jeffrey Manning ordered the girl’s testimony be recorded in the next week before she’s returned to the couple. A 2-year-old sibling will be returned immediately.

The Franklin Park couple have pleaded not guilty and will stand trial July 9 on charges they abused their adopted 6-year-old son and toddler daughter last year.

Prosecutors say the boy wasn’t properly fed and that the girl has multiple skull fractures that could leave her blind and paralyzed.